Although the second film in the Indiana Jones Saga titled Temple of Doom was successful at the time, many moviegoers complained that the film was way too dark and overly absurd for an Indiana Jones film. The third movie in the Indiana Jones known as The Last Crusade looked to bring the franchise back to its roots that feel more in tone and spirit to Raiders of the Lost Ark. The payoff seemed to work as the film was a success and made many of Temple of Doom’s criticizers say that Indiana Jones is back. Even with its return to form, does Last Crusade measure up to the action-packed excitement of the first Indiana Jones movie?
Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is put on a case to find and retrieve the Holy Grail when he finds out later that his own father Henry Jones (Sean Connery) is also looking for the Holy Grail himself. The two meet up together to find the Holy Grail before nazi forces find it first. However, the two must work out the differences that have kept them apart as father and son for many years before.
The story feels much more in the spirit of Raiders of the Lost Ark compared to Temple of Doom. while I definitely have a soft spot for Temple of Doom’s campiness, The Last Crusade feels like the proper sequel that should have come after Raiders of the Lost Ark. The movie feels more grounded in a reality and the tone is a lot more lighthearted but also action-packed. The film works as one part mystery and another part action-adventure that is always keeping you on the edge of your seat. The film also introduces some interesting concepts that we haven’t seen attempted in an Indiana Jones movie before such as Indy’s relationship with his father which can lead to some great character development and even a beginning scene of when Indy was only a young rebellious teenager. The plot will bring several twists and excitement at every turn and some of the plot threads are so well handled that they can even become shocking if you really get invested in it.
The Characters are enjoyable but also interesting as each of them have many hidden secrets and feelings that have not quite been explored in an Indiana Jones movie before. Harrison Ford returns as Indiana Jones as his charisma, one-liners and decent character development make him an interesting hero to follow along with. Joining him is Indiana’s father Henry Jones played by Sean Connery whose relationship with Indy is funny and even heartfelt at times. What I personally like is that neither He nor Indy are flawless as each of them have their different points of view and their own down-faults but not to the point where either of them is stupid. Alison Doody also makes a decent impression as Elsa Schnieder who helps our heroes in the quest and is not in anyway a damsel in distress compared to Willie in Temple of Doom. whether or not these characters are just as good here compared to Raiders of the Lost Ark is still debatable, what I do know is that these are fun characters to take part in the adventure and they provide so much to their roles to make the experience so much fun.
The Cinemotogrpy has always been a big standout for any of the Indiana Jones movies and the Last Crusade is no exception. The film has plenty of beautiful scenery especially considering that the movie is shot in real places around the world such as Utah, Venice, and Germany. The film also shows plenty of interiors of caves and temples that are filled with real or practical effect animals which look so much more convincing than the CGI effects that movies use today. The action is also very good and a lot of it revolves around using practical set pieces and amazing stunt work. Some of the biggest highlights include a thrilling escape in boats and running away from enemies by flying in a plane. This movie is just as pleasing and impressive to watch as the previous Indiana Jones flicks and there is always something new to pick up upon repeat viewings.
Composer John Williams was a no-brainer to get once more seeing that he’s been present for every other Indiana jones film beforehand. While there is nothing that is rather new or interesting to separate this score from the other ones, Williams nevertheless still delivers on his great compositions that are thrilling and delightful.
The Last Crusade is considered by some to be the best Indiana Jones film. While I still think Raiders has a bit more of an edge over this movie, there is no doubt that what transpires in front of us is a great summer blockbuster that has all the things that made Indiana Jones a powerhouse in movie-going entertainment. The film provides a good adventure that has thrills, unpredictability, and even some comedy here and there. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas have certainly found just the right balance of action-packed suspense and grounding the characters in some form of believable reality without going too overboard with the more mystical elements. Yes, this movie is worth seeing if you are a moviegoer looking for something thrilling or you are just a fan of Indiana Jones in general.
(Final Grade: A-)